Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) and European defence-focused venture capital fund Archangel have signed a three-year cooperation agreement to strengthen links between defence needs, technology companies and investors in Estonia and the wider Baltic region. Under the partnership, Archangel will engage with Baltic defence technology companies and investment opportunities, while the EDF will share insight into operational needs and technology development. The two sides will also work to create opportunities for companies to test and develop relevant solutions in Estonia, helping connect defence innovation with the capital and expertise needed to bring technologies from development towards adoption.
Archangel is a European early-stage venture capital fund focused on defence and security technology. Operating between Estonia and the UK, it invests in startups developing technologies such as autonomous systems, AI software, cybersecurity and next-generation communications. The fund also works with defence-sector stakeholders to support product development, testing and access to procurement networks.
The partnership with the EDF is intended to strengthen links between defence needs, industry and capital and contribute to the development of the wider European defence ecosystem.
Nicholas Nelson, Founder and Managing Partner of Archangel, said: “Archangel was founded to support the development of Europe’s defence technology ecosystem. Working closely with the Defence Forces helps us better understand the needs of users and support companies as they develop and scale.”
The cooperation will focus on strengthening the exchange of information and connections between the Defence Forces, defence technology companies and investors, with the aim of supporting the development and adoption of relevant technologies.
Major Ivo Peets, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces’ Force Transformation Command, said: “Cooperation between the Defence Forces and the defence industry helps us build a shared understanding of needs, technology and opportunities. We welcome the opportunity to work with Archangel and to strengthen the links between innovation, investment and the development of defence capabilities.”
As part of the cooperation, Archangel will engage with companies and investment opportunities in the Baltic defence technology sector. The EDF will contribute its perspective on defence needs and the development of relevant technologies, while the parties will work to support opportunities for companies to test and develop solutions in Estonia where appropriate.
Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/estonian-defence-forces-and-archangel-partner/
